On Saturday, October 6, Monsignor Eduardo presided at the ceremony in which Angélica and Ignacio contracted matrimony.

The couple were married in a civil ceremony thirty-one years ago. They have a large family, and decided that their union should raised to the level of a sacrament.

By this ceremony the newlyweds have also been incorporated into our Church.

Left: The bishop asking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the couple to consecrate their union sacramentally.

In the afternoon of October 6, Monsignor Eduardo went to Studio Three of Radio Nueva Vida in the Epifanía Parish of Los Angeles for his regular radio broadcast.

The theme was the celebration of All Saints Day and the Day of the Dead according to traditions, especially those of the United States.

One of the aspects discussed by the bishop was the fact that the origin of many Christian festivals, such as Christmas, is a pagan celebration that was turned into a Christian festival. The process of re-clothing popular traditions with a Christian meaning took place in the early centuries of Christianity, and has continued unfolding ever since.

On Saturday afternoon, October 6, Monsignor Eduardo presided at the celebration of the
Eucharist in the Parish See of San Miguel Arcángel in Los Angeles, California.

The celebration on this occasion had  a very special character because three children of a family that joined the community a long time ago were initiated into Christian Life.

The homily, in light of the biblical readings, emphasized that the Christian aims to be open to a personal and direct knowledge of God, which happens when one accepts at the deepest level of one’s being the inestimable gift of life in the Holy Spirit, which is received through the various sacraments, especially those of Christian Initiation.

Christian Initiation began with the administration of Baptism for three children—Emilia, Jumerly, and Edwin.

Then the bishop administered the sacrament of Chrismation that they might receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Finally, the three communed with the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

On Saturday evening, October 6, Monsignor Eduardo presided at the Eucharist with the Pacto Divino Community. The Eucharist began a solemn vigil in celebration of the community’s tenth anniversary.

Durante la homilía, el obispo recordó que éste es el octavo aniversario que se celebra conjunmente, después de que en el año 2005, la comunidad fuera la primera comunidad que hiciera alianza en Los Ángeles.

The bishop encouraged all the People of God to be aware of the undeniable presence of the Lord over the course of the years and to seek a deep-seated renewal of  their life and commitment so that they may have the power to fulfill the mission that the Lord has entrusted to the community as part of our Church.

On Sunday morning, October 7, classes in the two new courses in the Los Angeles branch of DETYM began.

In the next five sessions the participants will study “The History of the Modern Church” and “The History and Implications of  the Charismatic Renewal Movement.”

The class began with a summary of the history of the Church in ancient and medieval times, noting that although the course focuses on questions having to do with the Church in the West, one must keep in mind that in the East the Church has maintained its biblical roots and the apostolic tradition more steadfastly, and the course will refer to the more genuine life of the Church preserved in the East in analyzing and criticizing the Church in the West.

With respect to the Reformation, the bishop underlined the fact that although the ideals of the Reformers were highly constructive—the rediscovery of the Holy Scriptures, the insistence that one is saved only by faith and grace, etc.—nevertheless because of a lack of in-depth knowledge of the mentality and the tradition of the first centuries, there developed in many cases an interpretation disconnected from the roots of the Church. Frequently in these cases a new kind of religion came into being rather than the rediscovery the Church as Christ founded it when He sent the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and as it developed in the early times.

On Sunday afternoon, October 7, the bishop presided at the celebration of the Eucharist with the students of the Los Angeles branch of DETYM.

The celebration was enlivened musically by the Celestial Cherubs Ministry. This ministry is well prepared and has an amazing capacity for fulfilling its calling.

They had been the principal musical guests the previous evening at the Pacto Divino anniversary.

In the homily, based on the biblical readings, the bishop stressed that human beings can realize their full humanity only when they are able with the help of God to establish a relation of equality, respect, and mutuality with all human beings. Beginning with the life of the family, this kind of relation has to characterize every interpersonal relationship, and ecclesiastical relations must also be of this kind.

Human beings having been created in the image and likeness of God and God being a communion of persons, our actualization as human beings also requires that we be able to bring into reality an interpersonal communion that reflects the divine interpersonal communion.

When the liturgical celebration on October 7 was over, the bishop had a meeting with the Pastoral Council of the Central Community of the San Miguel Arcángel parish.

One of the points on which there was agreement was the urgency of having meetings of this nature more often in  order to communicate more immediately and directly on pastoral and organizational questions.

It was also decided to look for readier forms of ministerial assistance in order to mediate small conflicts that can come up and in order to guarantee sustained growth and harmony in the community and throughout the parish.

On Thursday, October 11, Monsignor Eduardo was invited by Sister Mary Faye, Director of the Nuestra Señora de la Preciosísima Sangre Home at our Mission Center of María Auxiliadora in La Ciénega, San Raymundo, to preside at the Eucharist for the closing of the school year at the Home.

Left: After the homily, the bishop prayed for the girls in residence at the home who are completing a phase of their education. He blessed some flowers that were to be given to those being honored.

Almost all the participants came forward at the beginning of the celebration to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation, after confessing their sins. That made it possible for the number participating in Communion with the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ also to be great.

On Friday, October 12, our bishop visited the Pajomel Community in Santa Cruz La Laguna, Sololá, in order to preside at the celebration of the Eucharist with the faithful.

The participation of the People of God was particularly devout.  The bishop asked all the People of God for their prayers on behalf of his upcoming journey to the Near East.

At the end of the celebration, the bishop invited sister Cristiana, who was celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the time she received the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to come forward and renew her commitment of unconditional surrender to the Lord.

On Friday afternoon, October 12, Monsignor Eduardo presided at the Eucharistic celebration with the People of God in the Chuitzanchaj Community.

The bishop’s visit provided the opportunity for the daughter of a family belonging to the Church to receive to sacraments of Christian Initiation—Baptism, Chrismation, and Communion.

Right:  The bishop administering the sacrament of  Chrismation to the child being initiated into Christian Life.

The faithful showed their gratitude and joy for belonging to the Church.

Notable about this community is the fact that, having recognized the right of baptized children to receive Holy Communion, they have instructed the children appropriately so that they come forward devoutly to receive the Divine Sacrament.

On Saturday, October 13, Monsignor Eduardo went to the Quiajolá Community, San Sebastián Huehuetenango, where representatives of all the communities of  the municipality of San Sebastián as well some from Santa Bárbara came for the quarterly instruction offered to the People of God.

During the first part of the program, each of the directors of the communities talked about the challenges and successes experienced in their respective communities during the past three months.

During the break between sessions of instruction, a family from the upper part of the municipality of San Sebastián came to the bishop to ask for prayer for the whole family and to ask the bishop to anoint with Holy Oil one of the members who is suffering from attacks of the Evil One.

During the second part of the meeting, the bishop went into the meaning of the words “catholic” and “orthodox” in the Christian tradition and explained who are the people who have authentically, uninterruptedly, and wholly kept the faith, worship, and church organization and to whom the terms catholic and orthodox can properly be ascribed.

On Saturday afternoon, October 13, Monsignor Eduardo presided at the celebration of the Eucharist with the faithful of the Quiajolá Community.

Although many of the faithful could not attend because they were participating in the funeral of a relative, still there were many people at the Eucharist.

It began with the administration of the sacrament of Reconciliation for those who felt the need to receive it and were duly prepared.

The homily emphasized the importance of being radically obedient to the Word of God in order to live as an active member of the family of God, which is the Church.

At the end of the celebration, the bishop urged the People of God to renew their missionary commitment, for it is an integral part of Christian Life and an indispensable requisite for carrying out the mission that Christ entrusted to each of his disciples.

In the late afternoon of Saturday, October 13, our bishop went to the upper part of the municipality of San Sebastián, located in the Cuchumatanes mountains, in order to celebrate the Eucharist and to administer Initiation into Christian Life for three children.

The bishop recognized the faithfulness with which many members of this community have been working, especially in the mission field. He encouraged them to carry their commitment forward.

A few years ago we began to administer the three sacraments of Christian Initiation all at the same time, as did Christians everywhere during the first centuries of the Church’s existence, a procedure which has continued in the East. Our communities have expressed their happiness with the practice and have been spiritually strengthened by it.

Duly prepared, the children, in spite of their young age, are able to receive the Holy Communion devoutly and beneficially.

In the evening of Saturday, October 13, Monsignor Eduardo presided at the Eucharistic celebration with the students of the Huehuetenango branch of DETYM, who on that day were celebrating the close of the school year.

During the celebration Adolfo and Kelly received Confirmation and the Missionary Charge. They are the children of Carlos and Floridalma, who for more than six years have been living at the Huehuetenango Education Center and who are responsible for maintaining the Center.

The two young people had been catechetically prepared by seminarian José Alfredo, who is the Coordinator of DETYM.

Also participating in the celebration was Father Pedro Martínez, who is the parish presbyter for the Cuilco Parish, and who before his ordination as presbyter coordinated the education program at the Center.

A spirit of devotion, gratitude, and joy characterized all those present. A huge number came forward to participate in Communion.

The two confirmands asked Monsignor Eduard to be their sponsor. The bishop accepted with pleasure and urged them repeatedly to allow the Holy Spirit to fill their lives and transform them so that they may bear abundant fruit, as did the apostles beginning on Pentecost.

In the evening of Saturday, October 13, the closing of the school year was celebrated, and certificates and diplomas were awarded for those who concluded a phase of the education program at the Center.

The ceremony was carefully prepared by the two seminarians who are in charge of the courses and coordinate the Department of Theological and Ministerial Education for the People of God (DETYM).

They are seminarians José Alfredo Hernández and José Raul López Mazariegos.

The ceremony began with the awarding of certificates.

Then the diploma certifying participation in the course called “Basic Theology for the People of God,” was awarded to those who completed the third year of the program. There were nine people who completed this phase.

Then a diploma was delivered to each of those who completed the fifth year of the program.

At the end of awarding diplomas, brother Mateo Juan (on the far left in the photograph at  right), who comes from Santa Eulalia gave words of appreciation on behalf of all his fellow students.

Left:  All the students in the Huehuetenango DETYM program, who took courses in the current year, with the bishop and the seminarians responsible for the program.

On Sunday, October 14, the bishop went to the little community of Tojchiquel, located in Santa Bárbara, Huehuetenango, in order to celebrate the Eucharist and Christian Initiation for three children.

This community began just a few months ago, and has grown in a sustained way. In spite of its economic limitations, it has succeeded in organizing a lovely music ministry , which enlivens their religious celebrations.

In the homily the bishop urged the People of God to live their Christian call with commitment and joy, and to go on working with enthusiasm in carrying out the mission that the Lord has entrusted to us.

The administration of the sacraments of Christian Initiation gave the bishop the opportunity to emphasize the great responsibility that parents accept when they bring their children to be initiated into Christian Life.

At the end of the celebration brother Francisco was installed as communion minister. He will work with brother Honorio, who at present is the community coordinator and communion minister but who, because of his work, often has to be away from the community.

At noon on Sunday, October 14, our bishop went to the Camjá Community, Santa Bárbara, Huehuetenango.

This community has distinguished itself by the careful way it has organized its ministerial work.

This organization is what has made it possible for a process of sustained growth to take hold.

During the homily, the bishop stressed the radicality that is demanded of us in order to be effective disciples of Jesus Christ and to participate in the gifts of the Kingdom and His divine Wisdom.

Within the framework of the bishop’s visit, the sacraments of Christian Initiation were administered to a little girl, the daughter of one of the directors of the community.

After the Baptism, the bishop administered Holy Chrismation so that the new Christian might receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Within the liturgical celebration, brothers Rey David and Eduardo were installed as communion ministers.

Both brothers had completed the three-year program of DETYM and the previous night had received the diploma of participation in the theological and pastoral education program.

Right:  With the administration of Holy Communion the Christian Initiation of Elisa Trinidad was completed.

On Tuesday, October 16, a few hours before our bishop, Monsignor Eduardo, was to leave on a journey to the Near East, he presided at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy according to the Syriac-Orthodox Rite of the Patriarchy of Antioch.

All the seminarians participated in it.

The Bishop asked the seminarians to pray for his pilgremage to Lebanon, that our Church may reach the full Apostolic Communion.

The seminarians participated devoutly in the Holy Communion, which was especially offered, through the intercession of His Most Holy Mother and all the saints, to the Lord in prayer for the bishop’s journey.

At the end of the Liturgy, every seminarian received the blessing from the Bishop and venerated the book of the Holy Scripture.

On the evening of October 18, after two days of traveling, Monsignor Eduardo arrived at Beirut, Lebanon, having been invited there by His Holiness Ignacio Zakka I, Patriarch of the Catholic Apostolic Syriac-Orthodox Church of Antioch, in accord with the decision of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchy.

Although the See of the Patriarchy is in Damascus, Syria, owing to the delicate situation in that country, the meeting took place in the St. Jacob Monastery of Serug in Atchaneh, not far from the city of Beirut.

During the visit our bishop had the opportunity to visit various projects undertaken by the Monastery:  a home for the elderly, in front of which was taken the photograph at left, an orphanage and school, and the construction site of a most beautiful new church, which is nearing completion and will house the monastery’s special events and serve the needs of the faithful who are cared for by the various institutions of the Patriarchy, as well the many faithful people who live in the surrounding area.

The fellowship with His Holiness, the bishops, monks, and nuns was very beautiful. The simplicity, humility, sincerity, closeness, and authentic Christian love that prevailed makes one feel that in terms not only of its history but also of its practice the Catholic Apostolic Syriac-Orthodox Church of Antioch is the living and genuine continuation of the Church that Jesus Christ founded and that the Apostles preached and organized. What Acts 2:42 says about the first Christian community can be felt as a present reality in this place.

Twice, during beaks in the meetings, Archbishop Michael took our bishop to visit the most beautiful monastery of St. Gabriel, which is located in the Archdiocese of Mount Lebanon and whose bishop is the Archbishop George Saliba, Secretary of the Holy Synod.

The church is of recent construction, and has great beauty and elegance. In terms of its liturgical aspects, it is very like the model that we follow.

The altar is located in the back of the apse. In front of it, as is the tradition in the Syriac- Orthodox churches, is a lectern holding the Holy Bible for the People of God to venerate.

Behind the altar is a simple tabernacle to house the Body of Christ.

Left:  Father Paul, a Jerusalem monk who was visiting His Holiness, our bishop, and Archbishop Michael, who is in charge of the Patriarchy’s pastoral and social work in Lebanon.

The ceiling of the apse, above the altar, is decorated with a fresco of the Lord welcoming all humanity, bringing them to salvation.

In the north apse, a beautiful fresco of the Theotokos, “The Mother of God,” bringing to mind the mystery of the Incarnation and the role that the Lord gave Mary in the Church.

In the south apse, where the baptistery is located, a fresco of the baptism of Jesus serves as the frame for the mystery of Baptism and Chrismation.

At the center of the baptistery, a modest baptismal font symbolizes that by baptism we are buried with Christ in order to rise with Him and participate in the divine life.

The monastery is also thinking about lodging pilgrims and housing meetings, retreats, and conventions.

It has more than a hundred rooms and more than three hundred beds.

On Friday through Sunday, there were dialogues with His Holiness and the group of bishops designated by the Holy Synod to study with care our request to become part of the Catholic Apostolic Syriac-Orthodox Church of Antioch.

The conversations took place in an atmosphere of deep harmony, sincerity, and brotherhood.

Our bishop brought a long report detailing on the life, situation, and organization of our Church.

In summarizing the report, Monsignor Eduardo said that our faith corresponds wholly and unconditionally with the catholic, apostolic, and orthodox faith as recorded in Scripture, in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, and as it was given shape in the three Ecumenical Councils of Nicaea, Constantinople, and Ephesus, which is the faith that the Syriac-Orthodox Church of Antioch has faithfully conserved and transmitted.

The meetings were presided by His Holiness, the Patriarch Ignacio Zakka I.  The other participants were His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugenio Kaplan, who has been the point of contact with us in recent years; His Eminence Mor George Saliba, secretary of the synod and Archbishop of Mount Lebanon; and, as envoys appointed by the Holy Synod, Their Eminences Mor Clemis Daniel, Metropolitan of Beirut; Mor Michael, patriarch Vicar for pastoral and social works; and Mor Matías, assistant Patriarch.

After the meetings, His Holiness sent our bishop a note saying that, because of its importance, the conclusion reached by the envoys of the Synod was to be communicated in writing. A letter detailing this conclusion accompanied the note.

In this letter, His Holiness recognized the communion between us and the Catholic Apostolic Syriac-Orthodox Church of Antioch, recognizing us as the “Archdiocese of Central America.”

The next step, according to the Constitution of the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch, is the consultation of the Holy Synod in order to reach the goal of the process undertaken. We see this goal with all clarity as the discharge of the mission that Lord has entrusted to us.

At the end, His Holiness gave a blessing to our bishop and to our entire Local Church, giving him words of great profundity and importance, which the Lord inspired him to say and which deeply moved our bishop.

Then His Holiness gave to Monsignor Eduardo a pectoral cross with the icon of the Blessed Mother of God. This is the same cross that is worn by the bishops of the Catholic Apostolic Syriac-Orthodox of Antioch Church.

Right: Closing photograph of the meetings. Left to right:  Their Eminences Mor Michael, Mor Matthew, Mor George Saliba, His Holiness, our bishop, Mor Clemis Eugene, and Mor Clemis Daniel.

To His Eminence
Eduardo Cristián Aguirre Oestmann
Archbishop of Central America
Guatemala

Beloved Brother in Christ:
We offer our Apostolic Benediction and the benevolent prayers to you and to the esteemed Clergy and Faithful of your Archdiocese.

Following to the decision of the Holy Synod convened from September the 10th to the 14th 2012 at Atchaneh, Lebanon, we are very pleased to have welcomed you at our St. Jacob’s Monastery and discussed the matter of having you as part of the Universal Apostolic Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch. As a result of our meetings held from October the 19th to 21st, recognizing the existing intercommunion between the Universal Apostolic Syriac Orthodox Church and your Archdiocese of Central America, we willing to reaffirm our blessing and as part of the procedure to complete the process, at this point, according to the constitution of our Apostolic See of Antioch, we are going to consult their Eminences, members of the Holy Synod, to be able to fully achieve our goal, which, God willing, is going to take place at our next meeting to be held from Tuesday March the 5th 2013.

May the grace, blessing and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and your beloved Archdiocese of Central American. Amen.

Issued on the twentieth day of October,
in the year Two Thousand and Twelve of our Lord,
Which is the 33rd year of our patriarchal reign.

During the dialogues, Monsignor Eduardo expressed to His Holiness the fervent wish for His Apostolic Benediction both for the Book of Sacraments and the Spanish version of the Divine Syriac-Orthodox of Antioch Liturgy.

His Holiness kindly granted this request, as attested by his seal, which can be seen in the photographs at left and below.

The Book of Sacraments contains the Ordinary of the Mass in which there are nine anaphoras.  All of them come from the first centuries of Christianity and all have in common the anamnesis and epiclesis taken from the anaphora of St. James, as well as the structure of the six diptychs, of which three are obligatory and the others optional.

In the Divine Liturgy used in the Syriac-Orthodox of Antioch Patriarchy, whose rite we use once a week in the seminary, are the anaphoras of St. James and of Mar Dionysius Salibi.

On Friday afternoon, October 26, the meeting of the ICERGUA Presbytery was celebrated in the Finca María Auxiliadora in La Ciénega, San Raymundo.

Our bishop reported in detail the outcomes of his visit to His Holiness, the Patriarch Ignacio Zakka I, as well as the implications of the letter in which His Holiness recognized the communion existing with our Church and also blessed the process of ecclesiastical incorporation that we have began.

All the presbytery was very satisfied with the process up to this point, and all were committed to pray intensely that the process may reach its goal.

In addition to that theme, the meeting was also an opportunity to share in simple brotherhood. It was a very positive moment in which one could feel the goodness and openness of the entire presbytery. All its members committed themselves to carry forward in all its dimensions the mission that the Lord has entrusted to us.

Among the basic topics that were discussed was the creation, beginning in the middle of January, of three pastoral vicariates. One will be the entire Department of Huehuetenango. Another, called The North, will include El Quiché, las Verapaces, and El Petén. The third one will include the departments in the center of Guatemala.

The purpose for setting up the vicariates is to provide a framework in which celebrations and assemblies can be organized that will involve representatives of all the parishes, pastoral centers, and chaplaincies of the respective vicariate. The objective of these assemblies is to make pastoral, missionary, and evangelizing plans that can establish a specific ecclesiastical identity in each vicariate.

On Saturday, October 27, with about 2000 faithful present, there took place the fifth anniversary of the sacramental birth of our Church in October, 2007, when Monsignor Eduardo Aguirre was consecrated Primate Bishop of ICERGUA.

The celebration used our auditorium in the Finca María Auxiliadora, San Raymundo.

About five hundred representative came from distant communities, including El Salvador. But three fourths of those present came from nearby communities, especially San Juan Sacatepéquez, where the Church has grown considerably in the last two years.

The bishop’s homily stressed the importance of the anniversary as well as the significance of the process of communion and incorporation that has begun with the Catholic Apostolic Syriac-Orthodox Church of Antioch.

As part of the celebration minor orders were conferred on twelve seminarians.

Eight received the order of Reader:  Mauro Vásquez, José Manual Castro, Domingo, Jesús Silvestre, Luis Miguel Say, Ambrosio Gómez, Oscar Guardado, and Juan Carlos Osorio.

Four seminarians received the order of Acolyte.

Right: Ángel Cáceres, José Raúl López, Jorge Tomás, y Eduardo Mateo.

Left: The bishop and the Presbytery asking the Lord to shed his blessing on the seminarians that are being ordained as Readers.

To each of those being ordained the Holy Scriptures were given, symbolizing the ministry that they are receiving and recalling the qualities that must characterize their lives.

After the ordination of the Readers, the four Acolytes were ordained.

To symbolize the service of the altar that they must carry out and the style of life that they are promising to live, each of those ordained received the candlestick with a lit candle and paten with the Eucharistic bread.

After the anniversary celebration, all the seminarians began their end-of-the-year pastoral assignments. For that reason, during the Eucharistic celebration, the Body of Christ was consecrated that they will take to the distant communities where they will carry out their missions.

The spirit that animated the celebration was beautiful.

The unity between the bishop and the entire Presbytery was underlined in several ways. Right: The praying of the Our Father.

At the end of the celebration, the representatives who came from El Salvador gave our Bishop the flag of their country as a symbol of the communion established with them and of the commitment that they have accepted in belonging to our Church so that the Church may proclaim the Gospel in the beautiful republic of El Salvador.

After the liturgical celebration, a delicious lunch was shared in an atmosphere of joy and brotherhood. The meal was prepared by the members of the small ICERGUA community in La Antigua Guatemala.

The place was lovely, the weather unbeatable, and the spirit of communion and joy was evident.

After lunch, the faithful in the nearby areas remained in prayer, praise, and preaching until 5:00pm.

On Sunday morning, October 28, a large crowd of participants came to Cunén to celebrate the Deanery of Cunén and Sacapulas.

The faithful described the successes and difficulties experienced in recent months.

On balance, the reports were very positive, for in several communities many new families have joined the Church, and a new community has been formed in San Juan Cotzal, which belongs to the central pastorate of Cunén.

After these reports and before the bishop began his instruction, Father Bernabé Mateo, the pastor for the area, gave his view of the situation and urged that there be a clearer awareness that the Eucharist has to be the center of each community’s life.

After midday in the Cunén Mission Center, Monsignor Eduardo presided at the Eucharist, in which a  large group of people were confirmed in their Chrismation, and received their mission charge. In addition, a group of the faithful in the Cecilia Community made their first confession and Solemn Communion.

There were nineteen people coming from different communities of Cunén who received confirmation and missionary charge.

The bishop’s homily emphasized the importance that each of those confirmed take their pastoral and apostolic commitment seriously in order that the Church may fulfill the mission that the Lord has entrusted to us.

Symbolizing the mission charge, all of them lit their candles, each one of which points to the Paschal candle, a sign that they are called to be the light of the world and salt to the earth.

On Sunday afternoon, October 28, Monsignor Eduardo presided at the celebration of the Eucharist in the Santísima Trinidad Community, Uspantán.

The faithful in great number participated joyfully.

The celebration began with the administration of the sacrament of Reconciliation for all those needed it.  Right: The bishop and Father Denis Obando, the local parish presbyter, giving absolution to those who had confessed their sins.

After the homily, four young people were confirmed and received their missionary charge.

At the end of the Eucharist, the bishop presented two seminarians who are to do pastoral work in Uspantán. They are Diego and Samuel, wearing the beige tunics in the photograph at right.

On the evening of October 28, the Deanery of Uspantán, La Zona Reina, and the Parish of Chamá Grande was celebrated.

The various communities’ representatives reported on the considerable growth that has taken place in recent months.

Especially notable was the work of two faithful from Zona Reina  who in the past few months have organized three communities and now are committed to helping them grow so that in the not-distant future they can be constituted as a parish.

Brother Antonio, president of the Chamá Grande Parish Council, also reported on the communities’ growth in that area.

Finally, before the bishop’s report and education period, Father Denis, the Deanery’s presbyter, reported on his satisfaction with the progress that has taken place recently, both in these areas and also with communities in Quetzaltenango, which in terms of pastoral work is part of this Deanery.

On Monday morning, October 29, the bishop went to the Paraxtut Community in Sacapulas to celebrate the Eucharist with the local community.

The People of God have now moved the seat of the community to the center of the village, which is a step forward.

The bishop reminded the faithful of their promise to work for the development of new communities. They indicated their agreement and commitment.

A group of the faithful had been prepared by the leaders to make their first confession and Solemn Communion.

On Monday afternoon, October 29, Monsignor Eduardo went to the Puente Chuatuj Community in the municipality of Sacapulas.

The faithful shared with the bishop the news of their plan to begin construction of a new church soon.

The community’s praise ministry is well enough prepared to accompany the Eucharistic celebration now.

Devotion and prayer as well as an outstanding organization are distinctive characteristics of the community.

In the evening of  October 29, the bishop came to the Tumanzano house of prayer in Nebaj to bless the remodeled church.

With the help of  brothers who work in the United States, they have put down a ceramic floor and built the presbytery as well as services for the People of God.

First he faithful and then Father Marco Tulio reported to the bishop on the growth that the community has had in recent months.

The bishop urged the faithful to continue working with enthusiasm and faith.

On Tuesday morning, October 30, the Deanery of the Chajul communities, in the northern part of El Quiché, was celebrated in the house of prayer in Ilom.

The People of God reported to the bishop about the progress that they have had. Outstanding among the successes is the fact that in the Chel, Ilom, Sotzil, Satzibán, and La Perla Communities, the Renewed Catholic community is larger than any other religious group.

Father Marco Tulio urged the faithful to continue their missionary efforts with enthusiasm.

The bishop reported on the general situation of the Church, and had time for a period of instruction, in which he responded to questions about the specific identity of the
Church.

After midday Eucharist was celebrated with the Ilom Community.

Right:  Brother Domingo, vice-president of the Parish Council, reading the first lesson.

The bishop’s homily urged the faithful to carry forward the evangelizing and mission commitment that has characterized them. The members of the community recently ended an evangelism campaign and are now preparing the next stage in that project.

At the end of the afternoon of October 30, Monsignor Eduardo went to the La Perla Community to celebrate Eucharist, accompanied by Father Marco Tulio.

During the homily the bishop urged the members  to be faithful in their Christian lives, and to evangelize everyone through their example and the love that they have for others.

Since the celebration began with the administration of Reconciliation, there were many who came forward to receive Communion.

On Wednesday morning, October 31, representatives of all the communities in the Nebaj Deanery came to celebrate their Deanery.

The faithful reported on the clear signs of their communities’ growth in the past months.

They also shared that as a result of their commitment and growth they have been fiercely attacked and even ridiculed by other churches. Nevertheless, they indicated, their decision to continue evangelizing with enthusiasm is firm.

At the end of the presentations from the communities, the seminarians who are doing their pastoral work in the area made presentations:  Jesús Silvestre (in the photograph at right addressing the faithful) and Vicente.

At the end of the education period, the faithful presented a beautiful stole to the bishop. They had originally planned to take it to the anniversary celebration, but since they were not able to attend it, they presented it at the Deanery. It is a fine piece of work, featuring the style of weaving distinctive to Nebaj.

On the afternoon of October 31, Monsignor Eduardo presided at the blessing of the House of Prayer of Batzbacá, located in the center of Nebaj.

The ceremony was full of faith, emotion, joy, and it was colorful as well.

One of the loveliest characteristics of the celebration was the fact that the leaders of each of the Renewed Catholic communities in Nebaj were present.

Some time ago, there were some divisions among the communities. Now, the co-presence of the leaders testifies that through the work of the Holy Spirit, the difficulties are behind them, and they are working intensely to expand their mission.

The bishop’s homily emphasized that the vitality and constant growth of the four Renewed Catholic communities in the center of Nebaj witness to the fact that they are an effective presence of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church that the Lord founded when he sent the Holy Spirit and that the apostles organized, beginning with the see of Antioch.